Computing and information sciences professor to serve as program director for National Science Foundation

Thursday, May 8, 2014

MANHATTAN — As part of an effort to develop a better understanding of the fundamental properties of computer and network systems, and to create better abstractions and tools for designing and analyzing future engineered systems, a Kansas State University professor will embark on a two-year endeavor this summer.

Beginning in late July, he will serve as a program director for the cyber-physical systems and computer systems research programs. Both are a part of the computer and network systems division of the Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate of the NSF.

"Cyber-physical systems are an area of emphasis for the Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate at the NSF," Singh said, "and offer great potential for interdisciplinary research. K-State currently has several grants from the cyber-physical systems program focusing on medical device systems, sensors and power distribution systems.

"The December 2010 report of the President's Council of Science and Technology calls for continued investment in cyber-physical systems research due to its importance in addressing grant challenges in areas crucial to U.S. security and competitiveness."

Singh has received more than $14 million in research funding while at Kansas State University, either as principal investigator or co-principal investigator, much of which has been funded by the NSF. He received the NSF Research Initiation Award in 1992 and NSF CAREER Award in 1995

"This is a remarkable opportunity for Professor Singh," said Gary Clark, interim dean for the College of Engineering at Kansas State University. "While his absence will certainly be felt in the computing and information sciences department, I have no doubt the time spent sharing his talent and expertise at the NSF will strengthen our ties to that agency and propel us forward in support of the university's goal of becoming a Top 50 research university by 2025."

Singh heads the pervasive sensor network laboratory in the college, which is focused on developing tools and methodologies for designing applications and middleware for real-time embedded systems and sensor networks. He has participated in and led several multidisciplinary research and educational projects, including the Center for Sensors and Sensor Systems funded under the university's Targeted Excellence Program.

Singh has a doctorate and a master's degree in computer science from State University of New York at Stony Brook, and earned a Bachelor of Technology degree in computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi. He was the recipient of Kansas State University's Frankenhoff Outstanding Research Award in 2007.

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At a glance

Gurdip Singh, professor and head of Kansas State University's computing and information science department, will serve a two-year term as a program director with the National Science Foundation beginning in July.

Notable quote

"Cyber-physical systems are an area of emphasis for the Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate at the NSF, and offer great potential for interdisciplinary research. K-State currently has several grants from the cyber-physical systems program focusing on medical device systems, sensors and power distribution systems."

— Gurdip Singh, professor and head of Kansas State University's computing and information science department